In only eight days, the students of Ratu Sukuna Memorial School learned the school’s military cadet training to display a well-coordinated passing-out parade at Albert Park last week.
Students in that short period focused their attention on discipline, teamwork, leadership and commitment.
After four years, the students took up military training once again, with many having to learn the basics of foot drill from scratch in muddy and rainy conditions.
Only the Year 13 students were familiar with the training as they had taken part as juniors in the last detachment back in 2019.
Now as seniors of the school, the Year 13 students led by example displaying good teamwork and leadership skills.
One particular Year 13 is this years baton of honour recipient, Christopher Tawakeniqila who is also the school head boy.
Tawakeniqila who hails from Nacula in Yasawa with maternal links to Bau Island was proud to spend his final year as the recipient of the school’s cadet baton of honour award.
The 18-year-old who hopes to be a civil engineer one day said he couldn’t explain the excitement he felt when he was called to receive his award.
He dedicated his achievement to his father, who couldn’t make it to the passing-out parade because of an illness.
“I only have my mum here today to support me as my dad is currently unwell,” he said.
“Even though my dad is ill he still works hard for us. He truly inspires me because even though he is sick he is still able to provide for his family every day.
“It is a big motivation for me. I hope he will continue that with my younger siblings so they can experience his guidance and aspire to become successful in life.”
The words of encouragement that his father often shared with him was “the sky is the limit”.
This year Tawakeniqila who represented his House, Nakauvadra quickly relearned the drills he first leart back as a Year 9 student, most of which he had forgotten.
“When we were told that we were having the cadet this year we were happy because it was happening in our final year at the school,” he said.
“To have it during our first year and now in our final year is going to be a great memory for us. ”
He said he felt sad when the final year detachments (Year 13 students) were farewelled in a march-pass.
“It is my final year at the school and we will be stepping out to pursue further studies,” he said.
“I hope that very junior that witnessed us being farewelled will have the same feeling as we did –proud to be associated with the school.”
Chief guest at the parade was the Republic of Military Forces chief of staff, land force command, Colonel Viliame Draunibaka.
Korobasaga House (Red) took out the overall winner award for the passing-out parade.
More than 700 students were took part of the intense military training this year. e
